Monthly Archives: September 2022

What CDL Truck Drivers Should Know About Mountain Driving

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Driving on mountainous roads is not easy for any driver. However, when you are operating a big rig truck, this can be even more challenging. Read on to learn more about the potential dangers of mountain driving and how to counteract these risks and stay safe, even on mountain roadways:

Potential Dangers of Mountain Driving

Mountain roads are scenic and beautiful, but they can also be deadly if not given the respect they are due. The first step is knowing the risks, which include the below factors:

  • Downgrades due to steep grades mean you might have to use your gears and your brakes a lot when driving down mountain regions. Overheating brakes is one of the most common dangers associated with severe downgrades like those found through mountain passes.
  • Bad weather, like ice, snow, or even rain can make mountain roads slick, and severe winds can cause significant problems.
  • Blind curves and narrow roads with little to no shoulder are just part of mountain driving. These are factors all big rig drivers need to be aware of before hitting the roadway.
  • Believe it or not road rage from drivers who want to get around your rig can be more likely when driving on narrow mountain roads, even with the enhanced dangers of passing.

How to Prepare

Driving safely up, around, and down mountains begin with great preparation. Ask yourself: What should I do before driving in mountains? Or what safety precautions should you take when driving in mountains? Keep the following tips in mind to ensure you are well-prepared for any challenge you might face on mountain roadways:

  • Check the weather where you plan on traveling. While sometimes the weather can get nasty quickly and without much warning, if you know that bad weather is coming, you might be able to find another route to get you to your destination. If not, it will at least ensure you know what you will be facing and be prepared.
  • Make sure that you have your tire chains at the ready. This is especially important when your route includes mountain roads where snow and ice can make them particularly treacherous.
  • Maintain your truck’s engine and brakes. As mentioned above, the grades on mountain roads are hard on brakes and your engine. Therefore, make sure that you are properly maintaining these elements of your truck and that they are working as they should before you attempt a mountain route.

Tips for Truck Driving in the Mountains

Read below for more tips on how to safely drive on mountains:

  • Pay attention to grading. A major cause of accidents is not knowing the grade of a road. If you are not familiar with the area already, make sure to look for the grade sign. This percentage will give you an idea of what speed is safest to use when either climbing or descending a mountain. In most cases, you need to stay in lower gear during this process.
  • Go slow and use the appropriate gear. Another way to stay safe on mountain roads is using the right equipment like snow chains and going slow. Always match your speed to the current road conditions and the mountain grade to stay safe. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to making it safely over a mountain in a big rig.
  • Watch for curves ahead. Mountain roads are notorious for blind curves. When traveling these mountain passes, keep in mind that there will be curves ahead, and ensure that your speed is appropriate to navigate them safely.
  • Don’t overuse brakes. Many drivers make use of the jake brake and only touch their brake pedal occasionally. When you maintain a slow speed and have allowed for the grade percentage, you shouldn’t have to hold down the brakes.
  • Don’t tailgate. Although it can be difficult to avoid, especially on narrow roads where passing is sometimes impossible, it’s important to never tailgate. You don’t want to find yourself unable to stop and hit someone who is moving slower than you.
  • Turn on hazards. If you want to ensure that other drivers know you are doing your best to maintain a slow and safe speed, which might not always be to their liking, turn on your hazards. This is also a good idea if you find yourself in rainy, snowy, or foggy conditions as it will make you more visible to other drivers.
  • Use a runaway lane. When absolutely necessary, use the runaway lane if you find yourself out of control of your rig. While it might not be what you want to do, it can save your life.

Drivers Also Ask

What is the most common danger of mountain driving for truckers?

The most common danger for truckers driving on mountain roads is overheating the brakes, especially when descending steep grades. Constant braking on long downgrades can cause the brakes to lose their effectiveness, potentially leading to accidents. To prevent this, truckers should use engine braking, gear down, and avoid riding the brakes.

How do truck drivers prepare for driving in the mountains?

Truck drivers prepare for mountain driving by checking the weather, maintaining their vehicles, especially the brakes and engine, and ensuring they have the necessary equipment like snow chains. Additionally, they familiarize themselves with the grades and conditions of the roads they’ll be driving on and make sure they’re aware of any blind curves or narrow roads.

Why is it important for truckers to use lower gears on mountain roads?

Using lower gears on mountain roads helps truckers control their speed without overusing the brakes. This reduces the risk of brake failure due to overheating, which is especially important on steep downgrades. Lower gears also provide more engine braking, allowing for smoother descents.

What are runaway lanes, and when should a trucker use them?

Runaway lanes are emergency lanes on steep mountain roads designed for vehicles, particularly trucks, that have lost control or their brakes have failed. Truckers should use these lanes immediately if they cannot slow down or stop their vehicle using their brakes, as runaway lanes can prevent serious accidents.

How can bad weather affect truck driving on mountain roads?

Bad weather, such as rain, snow, or ice, can make mountain roads extremely slick and dangerous for truckers. Snow and ice, in particular, reduce traction, making it difficult to control a truck’s speed and direction. Additionally, severe winds can make steering more challenging, especially in exposed mountain areas. This is why checking the weather and having snow chains ready is crucial for mountain driving.

Why are mountain roads challenging for truck drivers?

Mountain roads present unique challenges for truck drivers due to their steep grades, sharp curves, narrow lanes, and variable weather conditions. These factors require truckers to navigate carefully and adjust their speed frequently. The combination of long downhill stretches and difficult weather conditions like snow or rain can also increase the risk of brake failure, making these routes particularly demanding.

Keep the tips listed above in mind to stay safe as a CDL truck driver navigating dangerous mountain roadways.

What to Expect at Truck Driver Orientation

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Beginning your career as a professional truck driver is an exciting venture. At this point, you have finished your CDL training and other licensing and are now preparing to onboard at your new job. For many trucking companies, the first step of your career path will be the truck driver orientation. Read on to learn more about what you can expect as you prepare to attend:

What is Truck Driver Orientation?

For most major trucking companies, the truck driver orientation is a sort of pre-interview that will lead to a major trucking job within the industry. In most cases, you as a potential truck driver will receive a formal invitation to this event, usually in the form of a pre-hire letter. The orientation is basically a meet-and-greet, allowing you to meet your potential future employers. You will also learn what a trucking company can offer you during this time of orientation.

Questions to Ask Before Attending

Before making plans to attend a truck driver orientation with a potential employer, it’s important to understand the specifics of the event. You need to ask them various questions to be sure you are well-prepared to attend. Consider asking the following questions to help you ascertain what will be covered and not covered as part of the process:

  • Will you be getting paid for training? You will want to know if your time is going to be paid, or if it’s just an expected part of getting the job as a truck driver. Generally, truck driver orientation takes place over a few days, and several companies will pay potential employees for their time at this event.
  • What will be provided? Will there be food or lodging? In many cases, when drivers must travel to orientation to attend, transportation will be provided. Many truck companies will also provide lodging arrangements as well or at least offer to reimburse you for your lodging expenses. Most companies will also provide food, allowing for one to three meals a day throughout the orientation program.
  • What about the truck? When you test as part of orientation, will there be a truck provided?

What to Bring With You to Orientation

When you choose to attend a truck driver orientation, the next step is preparing yourself for what you need to bring along. Here is a simple truck driver orientation checklist:

  • Personal documents. Necessary documents can include your birth certificate, medical cards, CDL licenses, and more. Anything that you would likely need when starting a new job.
  • Clothes. Aim for comfortable but professional. Some employers will not allow sweatpants or shorts to be worn even in orientation, so you need to determine if there are dress code restrictions or just aim to wear cargo pants, khakis, or jeans. Also, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and be sure to check the weather at the orientation location, so you know if you need to bring along a jacket or anything.
  • Some extra money. Even if food is provided, there will likely still be times you need a snack or perhaps just want something different from what is being served.
  • Stationery supplies. Have something to write with and take notes. This can include a pen, or pencil along with a notebook and highlighter or other similar materials.

What to Expect to Learn

Your trucking orientation will be an educational experience, teaching you a great deal of information about the company itself as well as its safety standards. After this initial introduction phase, most orientations will also include a driving test that will allow someone in the company to grade your abilities. After this, you will be set up with a dispatcher and begin to plan your first route as a new truck driver!

People Also Ask

What to wear to truck driving orientation?

When attending truck driving orientation, it’s essential to dress in comfortable, business-casual attire. Most companies prefer drivers to look professional yet practical. This usually means wearing jeans or khakis with a polo shirt or a neat t-shirt. Steel-toed boots or sturdy work shoes are often recommended, especially if you’ll be involved in any physical tasks or tours. Avoid wearing flip-flops or overly casual outfits like shorts and tank tops. Since trucking companies want drivers to make a good impression, dressing appropriately shows that you’re serious about the job.

What is orientation in trucking?

Orientation in trucking is a crucial onboarding process designed to familiarize new drivers with the company’s policies, safety protocols, and expectations. During this time, drivers often undergo training on company-specific procedures, including using the equipment, compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, and proper logbook management. Orientation also covers important topics like driver safety, hours-of-service rules, company culture, and benefits. Additionally, drivers may be asked to take road tests, drug tests, and complete necessary paperwork. It’s an opportunity to learn about the job while ensuring drivers are ready to hit the road confidently and safely.

How many days is truck orientation in the USA?

The length of truck driver orientation in the USA typically ranges from two to five days, depending on the company. Most large trucking companies offer multi-day orientations to ensure their drivers are fully prepared for the job. These sessions include classroom training, road tests, physical exams, and equipment familiarization. Smaller companies might have shorter orientations, lasting around one or two days, focusing mainly on paperwork and basic procedural training. However, orientation programs vary across the industry, with some companies extending training based on the driver’s experience level or specific job requirements.

Interested in Getting Started With Barr-Nunn?

Contact Barr-Nunn Transportation today to enhance your trucking career and enroll in our orientation program.